Project Overview: This PhD project at the University of Southampton, based at the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, investigates how global climate change is affecting marine biodiversity, with a focus on rocky intertidal systems. The research will combine long-term ecological monitoring, manipulative field experiments, and AI-assisted taxonomy to model biodiversity responses, particularly in barnacle populations, to climate change. Research Context: The UK Regional Seas are experiencing rapid changes in sea surface temperature, making them ideal for studying the impacts of climate change on marine species. Rocky shore biota serve as sentinels for detecting biodiversity responses and understanding their functional consequences. The project leverages over 70 years of data from the MarClim project, providing a unique opportunity to extend and analyze one of the best quantitative time series for barnacles. Project Aims and Methods: The student will conduct annual spring surveys at 20 sites in southwest England, analyze digital images, and apply AI for automated species identification. The research will model future states of barnacle populations, explore the role of environmental refuges, and test hypotheses about inter- and intraspecific interactions during warmer periods. The project will also assess the impact of competition from cold-water species and demonstrate the value of intertidal species as climate change indicators for policymakers and marine protected area assessments. Training and Development: The IGNITE programme offers comprehensive training in field experimental design, targeted surveys, taxonomic identification, AI-assisted taxonomy, statistical programming in R, data analysis, manuscript writing, and undergraduate teaching. Students will benefit from a multidisciplinary network of academic, research, and policy partners. Funding: The IGNITE Doctoral Landscape Award provides 3.5 years of funding (full- or part-time), including a tax-free stipend at the UKRI standard rate (£20,780 for 2025/26), Home tuition fees, a waiver for the international fee difference, and a Research Training Support Grant of £2,200 per year. Eligibility: Applicants must have a UK bachelor’s degree with upper second-class honours or higher in a relevant subject (international equivalents accepted). English language proficiency (IELTS 6.5 overall, minimum 6.0 in all components or equivalent) is required. The programme encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and offers a guaranteed interview scheme for qualifying UK applicants from racially minoritised backgrounds. Application Process: Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm on 8 January 2026. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor to discuss suitability and are advised to apply for one project to tailor their application. Both UK and international students are eligible, but international studentships are limited and highly competitive. References: The project builds on recent research in marine ecology and computer vision, including studies by Mieszkowska et al. (2021), Hawkins et al. (2025), and Hollister et al. (2023).